5-Night Trip on Avalon Expression

Christmastime From Budapest To Vienna

Cruise, River cruise, Small Ship/Yacht

New, River Cruise

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Make your holiday wishes come true with special departures for the festive season to experience Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets and festivities. Enjoy the jolly atmosphere on our decorated Suite Ships® as you delight in the sights, smells, and tastes of local Christmas traditions along your Danube River cruise. Enjoy stunning winter views on the Danube with the warm glow of Christmas markets, beautifully adorned with ageless traditions.

Begin your cruise in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore one more Christmas market and buy one-of-a-kind gifts. Next, you’ll sail to the centuries-old Slovakian city of Bratislava with guided sightseeing and time to browse the beautiful Christmas markets. Take a guided tour of its cobblestone streets and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Next, cruise to wonderful Melk for guided sightseeing in Austria’s Wachau Valley, including the magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched above the Danube.

Continue your festive Danube River cruise to Vienna-the "City of Music." Enjoy guided sightseeing and the glow of sparkling Christmas markets while exploring the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Interests
  • Festivals and Events
5 Nights Starting At
November 24, 2025 through November 29, 2025
Book by:
November 20, 2025 7:00 PM
Includes discount: $375.00, Intra-vacation air transfers. Arrival and destination airfare not included.
Itinerary Map

About Avalon Expression

Ship Overview
Avalon Expression

Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Expression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. Express yourself while cruising your way on the Avalon Expression!

Ship Details
Year Entered Service
2013
Total Capacity
166
Crew Size
47
Suites
67
Laundromats
Number of Decks
4
Deck Plan Details
Ship small image
Symbol Legend
Legend Image for Sky Lounge Sky Lounge
Legend Image for Navigation Bridge Navigation Bridge
Legend Image for Sky Grill Sky Grill
Legend Image for Whirlpool Whirlpool
Legend Image for Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings
Legend Image for Deck Game Area Deck Game Area
Legend Image for Observation Lounge Observation Lounge
Legend Image for Panorama Bistro Panorama Bistro
Legend Image for Panorama Lounge Panorama Lounge
Legend Image for Bar Bar
Legend Image for Reception Reception
Legend Image for Elevator Elevator
Legend Image for Lobby Lobby
Legend Image for Club Lounge Club Lounge
Legend Image for Gallery Gallery
Legend Image for Dining Room Dining Room
Legend Image for Fitness Center Fitness Center
Deck plans are not yet available
Additional Tour Details
Christmastime From Budapest To Vienna

NOTES

•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
•Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler
•Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.



Ship Overview
Ship Overview
Avalon Expression

Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Expression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. Express yourself while cruising your way on the Avalon Expression!

Ship Details
Year Entered Service
2013
Total Capacity
166
Crew Size
47
Suites
67
Laundromats
Number of Decks
4
Deck Plan Details
Ship small image
Symbol Legend
Legend Image for Sky Lounge Sky Lounge
Legend Image for Navigation Bridge Navigation Bridge
Legend Image for Sky Grill Sky Grill
Legend Image for Whirlpool Whirlpool
Legend Image for Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings
Legend Image for Deck Game Area Deck Game Area
Legend Image for Observation Lounge Observation Lounge
Legend Image for Panorama Bistro Panorama Bistro
Legend Image for Panorama Lounge Panorama Lounge
Legend Image for Bar Bar
Legend Image for Reception Reception
Legend Image for Elevator Elevator
Legend Image for Lobby Lobby
Legend Image for Club Lounge Club Lounge
Legend Image for Gallery Gallery
Legend Image for Dining Room Dining Room
Legend Image for Fitness Center Fitness Center
Deck plans are not yet available
Christmastime From Budapest To Vienna

NOTES

•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
•Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler
•Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.



About Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways logo
Learn More About Avalon Waterways
More trips from Avalon Waterways

Travelers wanting to see the world need only cruise down its legendary rivers. For those interested in seeing more of the world, there’s Avalon Waterways®. Our entire fleet of Suite Ships® proudly present Avalon Waterways’ unique Open-Air BalconySM—cruising’s only bed with a view, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. When travelers pair panoramic scenes with the widest-ranging excursion choices in river cruising, they’re in for an experience as wide open as the view.

On an Avalon cruise, schedules give way to whims, leaving travelers the freedom to do exactly as they please, when they please. Whether enjoying a guided walking tour of one of Europe’s great cities, joining a cooking class or paddling a canoe, our Avalon Choice® selections of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions offer a wide range of possibilities. When travelers prefer to explore on their own, Avalon helps with recommendations, information and the gear they need, thanks to Adventure Hosts, an Adventure Center and AvalonGO mobile app. And when it’s time to refuel, Avalon’s FlexDining® program gives guests the choices they crave.

When travelers sail the world with Avalon Waterways, every day is an adventure and every adventure is up to our guests.

Read More

About Avalon Waterways

Travelers wanting to see the world need only cruise down its legendary rivers. For those interested in seeing more of the world, there’s Avalon Waterways®. Our entire fleet of Suite Ships® proudly present Avalon Waterways’ unique Open-Air BalconySM—cruising’s only bed with a view, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. When travelers pair panoramic scenes with the widest-ranging excursion choices in river cruising, they’re in for an experience as wide open as the view.

On an Avalon cruise, schedules give way to whims, leaving travelers the freedom to do exactly as they please, when they please. Whether enjoying a guided walking tour of one of Europe’s great cities, joining a cooking class or paddling a canoe, our Avalon Choice® selections of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions offer a wide range of possibilities. When travelers prefer to explore on their own, Avalon helps with recommendations, information and the gear they need, thanks to Adventure Hosts, an Adventure Center and AvalonGO mobile app. And when it’s time to refuel, Avalon’s FlexDining® program gives guests the choices they crave.

When travelers sail the world with Avalon Waterways, every day is an adventure and every adventure is up to our guests.

Read More

Learn More About Avalon Waterways
More trips from Avalon Waterways
Prices are per-person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.